Rule 4 was amended, effective March 1, 1986; March 1, 1994; March 1, 1997; March 1, 1998; March 1, 1999.

The time for civil appeals runs from "service of notice of entry" of the order or judgment. However, service of notice of entry of judgment is not necessary to start the time running for filing a post-judgment motion or appeal if the record clearly evidences actual knowledge of entry of judgment by the affirmative action of the moving or appealing party. See Rule 77(d)Rule 58(b), N.D.R.Civ.P.; Gierke v. Gierke, 1998 ND 100, ¶¶ 6-12, 578 N.W.2d 522, 525-26. Thorson v. Thorson, 541 N.W.2d 692, 694-95 (N.D. 1996).

The responsibility under subdivision (a) is shifted to counsel to serve the notice and commence the period for appeal. This differs from the federal rule, which provides the time for appeal is to run from "the date of entry."

The time limit for taking an appeal does not prevent the taking of an appeal at any time after the entry of the judgment or order and before service of notice of entry.

Subdivision (a) was amended, effective March 1, 1999, to provide the 30 day extension for excusable neglect is to be added to the time for appeal provided by the statute or rule setting the time for appeal.

Subdivision (b) is similar to N.D.R.Crim.P. 37(b). Paragraphs one and two pertain to appeals by the defendant and prosecution, respectively, and paragraph three pertain to appeals by either the prosecution or defendant.